Update and A Word of Caution About the Use of the Horsechestnut Herb 

In the Oct-Dec, 1996 issue of the National Lymphedema Newsletter, I reported upon the use of an herb, horsechestnut, in the treatment of Lymphedema.  The article was based upon clinical research performed at the Department of Internal Medicine in Germany and clinical use of horsechestnut at the Ultimate Health Center in North Carolina.

Response to that article has been overwhelming!  There is a great deal of interest in using an herbal remedy to control the symptoms of Lymphedema.  However, there has also been a lot of feedback about the potential toxicity of the horsechestnut herb.  Many of you have written or called the NLN and the Ultimate Health Center questioning the safety of horsechestnut.  At least one woman had an adverse reaction to the herb.  It is necessary to take the time to explore the topic and give some guidelines for the safe and effective use of the horsechestnut herb.

After much research and many contradictory answers, I have gathered some information about horsechestnut.  First of all, horsechestnut has been taken internally for varicose veins and other problems for hundreds of years in Europe and since the 1860's in the United States. Its mechanism of action for strengthening veins, improving circulation and reducing inflammation is well documented.  However, there are cautions about the toxicity of the horsechestnut seed and/or nut and documented cases of problems, particularly in children.

Different well respected sources of information credit, or blame, different parts of the herb itself for its potential toxicity.  Some sources claim that it is the outer casing of the seed, called the pod, that is toxic.¹  Some say it is the bark.  One source claimed that all parts of the plant were toxic at the same time it noted the herb's effectiveness in treating heart circulatory problems,²  while yet others claim there are no toxic effects at all.³   Several sources claim that it is only the dosage on an individual basis that can be toxic,⁴  which makes the most sense to me.  Needless to say, it is very confusing to sort through the conflicting data.

It is important to note that there were no side effects mentioned nor any reported problems with the 240 patients participating in the German study.  Side effects noted at the Ultimate Health Center involved a few cases of mild nauseous ness which was resolved when the patient took the herb in capsules or with food.  Never the less, it is prudent and wise to approach horsechestnut as you would any other potent remedy.

Horsechestnut herb should be administered based upon the needs and circumstances of the individual and ONLY by a qualified health care practitioner !!  The herb should be viewed as having the potential for toxicity when not administered in the correct dosage and not monitored on an individual basis. The German studies, as well as the hundreds of years of use, prove that horsechestnut can be taken safely when taken responsibly and in the recommended amounts.

Again, please consult and work with a qualified health care practitioner before trying the horsechestnut herb!

A recent update from Peter W. Glasser, MLDT, LMT, ICMT, of Ultimate Health Center reports continued success with the herbal treatment.  He has received calls from people all over the country who have started using horsechestnut, as prescribed, and have seen improvements in skin softening and decreased edema.  Results have varied from individual to individual but all have noticed improvement in their Lymphedema.

Additionally, Peter has started using an external ointment of horsechestnut combined with mullein and lobelia.  Results are preliminary but promising.  He has also discovered a company in Germany that manufactures tablets/gel as well as a bath solution.  He is in the process of obtaining and testing these products.

References

1.    Ody, Penelope, The Complete Medicinal Herbal, Dorling Kindersley. pg 181.  1993

2.    Leung, Albert Y. and Foster, Steven, Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients, Wiley-Interscience Publication.  pg(s) 304-306.

3.    American Botanical Council, 1984. The Herbalist, 1996. Let's Live, 1990.

4.    Hoffman, David L. M.N.I.M.H., Herbal Phytotherapy and the Elderly, www.Healty.Net (Internet). pg(s) 1-5.  1997

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